Letters: Beachgoers must learn to share (June 27, 2008)
Editor:
In response to Brian Allen’s letter to the editor [“City needs park free of barks,” June 20, 2008]:
I am sorry your daughter got knocked over by a dog on the beach. I truly am. The owner should have had the dog under control. I apologize for the owner of that dog.
You state that all dogs are in a ‘pack mentality’ and I do not agree with that statement anymore than all children are unruly. Yes, some dog owners should not have dogs. Some parents should not have children. That does not make what happened to your daughter OK, it is just reality.
It is unnecessary for you to avoid visiting Willard Beach. The beach is closed to dogs at this time of year after 9 a.m. Dogs are allowed on the beach from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. only. If you want to visit the beach before 9 a.m., I learned last Monday that there is a beach at the end of Adams Street, right near Willard Beach. The councilor said that it is very nice. There are other small beaches where you can enjoy a morning walk before school as well. There is a nice small one on Front Street.
Sometimes I am not in the mood to be at the beach when there are lots of unruly children running across my blanket or towel, screaming and kicking sand at me. I avoid it on those days even though it is a beautiful day to sit by the ocean. Sometimes I am more relaxed and can endure the mayhem. I am never in the mood to be on the beach when there are young adults drinking and having sex on the beach. I truly avoid those times even though the moon may be full, the night warm and the beach would be a wonderful place to visit. We all share the beach at different times. The key word is “share.” You state that there should be one park in South Portland where dogs are not allowed. You have it! Willard Beach after 9 a.m. from May 1 until Sept. 30!
You also state that when salmonella is found in a few tomatoes, we remove all tomatoes? Every grocery store I have visited in the last two months since this was found, still has tomatoes. It is our choice to buy or not to buy. It is your choice to go to the beach with dogs, with kids, with young adults. We have a choice!
Again, I am sorry about the experience your daughter had. I hope she recovers and does not incur any long lasting fears from this experience. Like falling off a horse, probably the best medicine would be to visit the beach again and let her see that this is not an every day occurrence.
Judith Cunningham
South Portland
In response to Brian Allen’s letter to the editor [“City needs park free of barks,” June 20, 2008]:
I am sorry your daughter got knocked over by a dog on the beach. I truly am. The owner should have had the dog under control. I apologize for the owner of that dog.
You state that all dogs are in a ‘pack mentality’ and I do not agree with that statement anymore than all children are unruly. Yes, some dog owners should not have dogs. Some parents should not have children. That does not make what happened to your daughter OK, it is just reality.
It is unnecessary for you to avoid visiting Willard Beach. The beach is closed to dogs at this time of year after 9 a.m. Dogs are allowed on the beach from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. only. If you want to visit the beach before 9 a.m., I learned last Monday that there is a beach at the end of Adams Street, right near Willard Beach. The councilor said that it is very nice. There are other small beaches where you can enjoy a morning walk before school as well. There is a nice small one on Front Street.
Sometimes I am not in the mood to be at the beach when there are lots of unruly children running across my blanket or towel, screaming and kicking sand at me. I avoid it on those days even though it is a beautiful day to sit by the ocean. Sometimes I am more relaxed and can endure the mayhem. I am never in the mood to be on the beach when there are young adults drinking and having sex on the beach. I truly avoid those times even though the moon may be full, the night warm and the beach would be a wonderful place to visit. We all share the beach at different times. The key word is “share.” You state that there should be one park in South Portland where dogs are not allowed. You have it! Willard Beach after 9 a.m. from May 1 until Sept. 30!
You also state that when salmonella is found in a few tomatoes, we remove all tomatoes? Every grocery store I have visited in the last two months since this was found, still has tomatoes. It is our choice to buy or not to buy. It is your choice to go to the beach with dogs, with kids, with young adults. We have a choice!
Again, I am sorry about the experience your daughter had. I hope she recovers and does not incur any long lasting fears from this experience. Like falling off a horse, probably the best medicine would be to visit the beach again and let her see that this is not an every day occurrence.
Judith Cunningham
South Portland
Why would anyone want to clean sand from their dogs' paws when a grassy knoll is available for owners and their pets at nearby Bug Light Park? It's a great place to meet people, too, and the city has provided doggy bags and plenty of trash receptacles for the owners' convenience.
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